[Perfectlap]

the problem with the dealer and most car wash places is that they're using dirty wash mitts and drying towels that are worn out, the wrong kind of towel or also dirty. That will induce swirling.

The right way to wash the car is to wash the car as little as possible. If you're taking it to the local car wash every week you're going to wreck the paint. If you're doing a full bucket and soapy suds wash every weekend that too isn't good. Both are overkill and increase the likelyhood of rubbing road sedminets on the paint.

The best wasy is to use a waterless wash solution like Optimum No Rinse, there are other brands of course. Pre soak the car the with the solution to allow the dirt to sofen. Have many many sponges or premium microfiber towels. As in not the kind of microfiber towels you find at your local auto parts store, Costco or WalMart. Those are janitorial towels that use the prickly/grabby hooked ends -- completely unecessary for a well maintained paint surface. Personally I use a long nap/weave towel like the kind sold by Griots or websites like packshack or chemicalguys. Keep the waterless wash solution in a clean bucket, typically one ounce of solution per gallon of clean water. Some use a second bucket of just clean water to dunk the towel or sponge with each long pass (one body panel at a time). Its a good idea to flip the towel to a clean side with each pass. Use the left over water and a soft wheel face brush to wipe down the wheels and brake calipers. Dry the car with a leaf blower ideally or a waffle weave towel (no prickly hooks like most microfiber towels). I cover each panel with a quick detail spray for lubrication while the car is still damp before I begin the towel drying. The goal of pre-soaking and spraying down the car is to increase lubrication. you never want to rub on dry paint.

If the car gets really really dirty, like in winter, use a foam gun or the old school car wash soap and buckets.
And of course no car wash soap on the canvas top. That attracts dust and leads to wear marks during top operation. Raggtopp cleaner and protectant only.